Synonyms

coexist

American

[koh-ig-zist] / ˌkoʊ ɪgˈzɪst /

verb (used without object)

to exist together or at the same time.
to exist separately or independently but peaceably, often while remaining rivals or adversaries.

Although their ideologies differ greatly, the two great powers must coexist.

coexist British

/ ˌkəʊɪɡˈzɪst /

verb

to exist together at the same time or in the same place
to exist together in peace

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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Etymology

Origin of coexist

First recorded in 1670–80; co- + exist

Explanation

To coexist is to live in the same place or at the same time. If you, your roommate, and a cat all live in an apartment together, you can say the three of you coexist. You can use the verb coexist to simply mean "exist together," or it can mean something more specific — to live peacefully or tolerantly in the same place. Two countries might have to work to find a way to coexist despite years of conflict, for example. The word has been around since the 1600's, but it wasn't used in this second, diplomatic way until 1931. Coexist combines exist, "be" or "live," with the prefix co, "together."

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